CROSE: Changes are coming in Crestview; keep an open mind

Change is inevitable; some embrace it while others reject it. We don't live our lives at a standstill, so change occurs.

Families, businesses and government entities must change to keep up with the times. Families must plan ahead so they are prepared for changes that could occur; generally that means having savings for emergencies. 

Businesses that stagnate and don't keep on top of industry changes and innovations will lose market share and potentially go out of business.

Public entities must focus on what their residents’ (taxpayers’) needs and wants, and assess if these are feasible and affordable.

We have experienced first-hand what happened when the Crestview area built up so quickly and no plans were in place for effective traffic flow. The county and the city are working together on addressing the issues concerning traffic congestion.

The proposed Interstate 10 off ramp at Antioch Road will be a welcome change and hopefully ease traffic burdens. So negative online comments, certain that an off ramp won't work and is a waste of money, are interesting.

Having grown up in a suburb of Los Angeles that grew as we children grew, there are many issues facing a fast-growing community. Having another off ramp will ease traffic congestion; let's hope that it won't take years to come to fruition. A new off ramp is a needed change, and one embraced by this writer.

Another change is the proposed shopping center at State Road 85 and Live Oak Church Road. While many residents are happy to have new stores and restaurants, there are plenty of others unhappy to see this center, as it could potentially make traffic worse.

I am certain the developer is aware of the traffic problems we face and wouldn't have drawn up plans and enlisted businesses to commit to leases if they didn't think the location was right for success. 

I am excited to see what stores and restaurants we get here in Crestview. This is a great change for our area.

If we can't embrace change, then let's at least keep an open mind about the changes coming to our wonderful town.

Janice Lynn Crose, a retired accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: Changes are coming in Crestview; keep an open mind